PRP chairman Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed condemns Tinubu’s record and warns of northern resistance ahead of 2027 election

PRP chairman challenges Tinubu’s legitimacy The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, used a Tuesday appearance on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today to allege that President Bola Tinubu financed his own 2023 presidential campaign without significant public contributions. According to Daily Post, Baba‑Ahmed asserted that Tinubu’s ascent to the Presidential Villa was effectively bought, a claim that positions the president as an outlier among Nigerian leaders who typically rely on broader financial support.

Assessment of the Tinubu administration During the same interview, Baba‑Ahmed described the Tinubu administration as a failure. He noted that while Tinubu inherited a country facing weak institutions, poverty and insecurity, three and a half years in office have not produced measurable improvements. The PRP chairman highlighted worsening conditions across the nation, citing increased hardship, hunger and insecurity as evidence that the government has not fulfilled its promises to secure and improve Nigerians’ lives.

Warning of northern voter resistance Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Baba‑Ahmed warned that the northern electorate would not tolerate attempts to manipulate the vote. He listed several northern states—including Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa—as areas where voters remember perceived humiliation and neglect under the current administration. The chairman cautioned that any effort to distribute money to influence the election would be met with open resistance, and he called for a transparent contest rather than covert vote‑buying.

EndSARS legacy remains unaddressed Baba‑Ahmed also revisited the six‑year anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, arguing that the government has failed to implement the recommendations of the judicial panels set up after the 2020 demonstrations. He pointed to continued police use of tear‑gas at commemorative events as evidence that the underlying issues of police brutality and lack of accountability persist, leaving a lingering wound for young Nigerians.

Political implications The PRP leader’s statements combine criticism of Tinubu’s personal financing, an appraisal of his governance record, and a strategic warning aimed at the northern voting bloc. By framing the north’s potential rejection of vote‑buying as a matter of dignity and citizenship, Baba‑Ahmed seeks to position the PRP as a defender of regional interests ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. The remarks, reported by Daily Post, underscore the heightened political tensions as parties prepare for the 2027 contests.

Outlook While the PRP remains a minor party in Nigeria’s political landscape, Baba‑Ahmed’s outspoken stance may influence discourse on electoral integrity and regional representation. Observers will watch whether his warnings translate into measurable shifts in voter behaviour or campaign strategies as the 2027 elections approach.